autonomous mobility
This blog is really just about me and some of the things in my life. Some of it will be travel-related, some bike-related, research, social networking, and all sorts; but all of it will be about autonomous mobility.Parking
You may have noticed that since moving to Melbourne, this blog has seen very little activity. Apologies.
Something I’ve been meaning to do is start a new blog that will focus on current affairs from my research perspective (see previous blogpost). I think this will be more useful to me at this stage of my life. This blog here was very much about me trying to discover a bit of happiness and refocus my life. It certainly helped. I’m now in Melbourne for a fresh start, and I’m loving life. So this blog is now a little redundant.
I may come back to it from time to time, but consider it parked. Thank you to my small but regular readership. Your comments were insightful and helped me move forward. I’ve not yet decided on a name for the new blog, but as soon as I do, I’ll update this post so you can follow that too, if you’d like to.
Is the iPad offering us something we didn’t know we wanted?
I’d been following the buzz about the new toy from Apple for a while, but from afar. So I wasn’t one of those who were up at the crack of dawn (AET time) this morning to see the iPad launch. Instead, I did my usual: I surfaced slowly, checked twitter on my iPhone and watched as a torrent of disappointment streamed through my feed.
Simply put the geeks don’t like it. My initial reaction to their opinions was that I too was a bit let down. They made it sound like a giant iPod Touch – which is what I had feared. Nevertheless I did next go to watch the iPad introduction video. As I watched, I could see that this new toy is going to be far more than a giant iPod, or an iBook for that matter.
I was now genuinely excited. Jonathan Ive and the team had designed something with me (or rather someone like me) in mind. My reaction on twitter sort of sums this up: “Who will buy it? Us old farts who like to sit & read the paper on a Sunday in the lounge with a latte“. The thing is you’ve got to watch how the guys in the video play with it. It’s designed to be used in a different way to any other computer. I reckon it’ll be picked up and put down more like a book, magazine or newspaper; not a laptop. And that’s the point. The iPad is potentially more usable than conventional print media. This is the breakthrough we’ve been waiting for!
To explain where I’m coming from, my doctoral thesis (completed way back in 2003) aimed to use the hypermedia and kiosk technology of the time to replace conventional paper-based engineering drawings and work instructions. When we piloted our solution, the users’ main complaint was that the electronic solution was not as versatile and usable as the existing technology. Today, we may well have the solution that will at least be as good as paper-based technology in the iPad.
Another key feature is the price point at which Apple has pitched it. At US$499, the iPad represents astonishing bang for your buck. This will not only enable it to compete with other eBook hardware such as the Kindle, but also encourage the traditional early adopters to buy one (even if they don’t like it, or can’t initially think of a use for it). Plus, as with the iPod, this low price will bring new users to it, creating a whole new market segment. I could even envisage my 80 year old Grandfather who’s never used a computer “because they’re too complicated” using one.
And this leads me back to my key point: it’s not for the tech geeks; it’s for those of us who couldn’t care less about the technology, but just want something to access content. This new toy is not designed for those who want to create content, or even contribute to it; it is instead for those who merely digest it. The way I see it, if you want to create content, you use your iMac; but if you want to check the footy scores or read the news, you use your iPad. It’s that simple. There’s a place for both in the home. In the workplace, it may be a different matter; and for my profession, the iPad could revolutionise lectures and seminars.
So I reckon I’ll be buying one eventually, but first I need a new iMac for the new blog I’m creating. I’ll also need a new chair in which to digest the content from my someday-to-be iPad; and I think I’ve found the perfect companion:
Feeling funny
For a couple of weeks now, I’ve been feeling a little odd. Firstly I had a mad panic to get stuff sorted before I leave for Melbourne, and now I’m just kickin’ around waiting to leave. To say the least, I’ve not exactly been on top form.
This is understandable, I hear you say; but I have my Twitter audience to consider. My lack of witty puns and inuendo is making the natives restless. I just don’t seem to be up for it at the moment, I’m afraid.
Yet I want to get to the bottom of it, at least to preserve my own sanity.
It’d be expected if I said I’m getting sad about saying all my goodbyes & leaving good old Blighty; but I’m not. Sure there have been a few moments of emotion, but I’m just generally grumpy & lacking inspiration.
Another worthy hypothesis is that I’m suffering from SAD (seasonal affected dissorder). This holds some water; I certainly am less of a grump on sunnier days.
The third offering is that next week I have to teach a class I’d not expected to. This, I think, is the true source of my angst – I’m grumpy because I’ve got to do something I don’t want to #harrumph! I could’ve protested, or simply refused, but I thought “what the heck, just get it done”. Now I’m just waiting for it to happen & it makes me blue.
I’m sure there’s a bit of the other two mixed in, plus a bit of annoyance about other stuff going on, but really it’s just the toys being thrown out of the pram. It’ll be over before I know it, & I’ll soon be back to my old self. Bear with me, …I’m only a kid #harrumph
Inspiration
I’ve been a bit blue lately. all the cores and errands I’ve been doing before I leave the UK for Australia have been weighing me down. And the weather hasn’t helped much either. And yet today, I decided to pick myself up with a bit of art. I headed down to the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull for some inspiration …and I got some!
I’ve lived here 6 years and had not been before. I guess I’d thought “pfft! …art?! …in Hull!?!?!”. It was really quite enjoyable. Following the floor plan, I worked my way through chronologically, as one does. There was a Caravaggio, and some of the Dutch masters. Then a brief interlude came in the form of some photography, before continuing on with the chronology. I then came to an exhibition of the art of Shirley Craven and Hull Traders. Craven is a local lass who led the way in textiles art in the 60s. I hadn’t realised this until today. Her designs really are fantastic. She worked with Hull Traders (who aren’t actually named after the city, but after their founder), who hand-printed her designs and those of other artists. I’m finding it hard to explain, but seeing the bright colours and intricate patterns at the very least lifted my mood. 
I then moved on to discover some paintings from Hull’s past. Hull was a major port in the UK for centuries, and it’s growth and recent decline are well documented here. This final part of my visit was less inspirational, and more factual. Today I learned that there is some depth to Hull and it’s people. It’s such a shame it is fast being forgotten. I’ll leave Hull with a positivity about its past but a sigh for it’s prospects.
As for me. My mood was lifted. I’ve been inspired to do nothing more than write this blogpost, but that’s a start. Next week, after all my chores are done, I will return to my research …readying myself for the next chapter.
4 bedroom terraced house, Hull
Retaining many original features, this superb four bedroomed traditional town house offers exceptionally sized living accommodation, coupling modern twists with characterful additions. Ideally positioned for access onto Princes Avenue and all its cosmopolitan bars, amenities and cafes, the property has a walled southerly garden to the rear.
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The Fantastic Mr Fox
Today I went to see The Fantastic Mr Fox. It was… well, fantastic!
I’m a massive Wes Anderson fan. I can’t recall how I discovered his work, but the first of his movies I saw was the seminal The Royal Tenenbaums. I later caught The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou when it was released and fell in love the cinematography, his characters and his brother’s artwork. From here I went back to Bottle Rocket and Rushmore. With Rushmore, I ran into Jason Schwartzman, and in Bottle Rocket I realised the pivotal role Owen Wilson plays in their movies (as Wilson & Anderson write the majority together). The more recent The Darjeeling Limited takes Anderson’s cutaways to a whole new level, but it is Hotel Chevalier, his short film prior to the main feature that I love the most, featuring Schwartman and the enigmatic Natalie Portman. If you’ve never watched a Wes Anderson movie, why on earth not?! Do it …now! You won’t regret it.
In fact, why not begin with The Fantastic Mr Fox? The movie is Anderson’s take on the classic Roald Dahl novel. It was released here in the UK on halfterm, so was billed as a kids movie. Likewise, it’s released next week in the US in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. It’s not just a kids film though. Like with Pixar’s animated output, there is a warmth to the characters, and a depth. The script is both witty for instant chuckles, and loaded with Andersonesque subtleties for us die-hard fans. My favourite moment has to be Wes’ homage to Dahl with Foxy sat in his armchair discussing his masterplan, which is on a wooden board resting across the arms of his chair; just as had been the way that Dahl had created his many wonderful novels, short stories and poems. Otherwise, the plot moves along at breakneck pace to provide what is not just a cartoon, nor a comedy, but also an action movie.
The movie is packed with talent. George Clooney works very hard with a lot of lines as Foxy, and a masterly trade mark (watch the trailer above); Meryl Streep is perfect as his firm yet fair wife; but my personal favourite is Schwartzman again. His character, Ash, their hapless son evokes memories of the awkward Max with big ambitions and a passion in Rushmore, and Jack, the runt of the litter in Darjeeling Limited. He really steals the show for me.
I was asked the other day by a mate about whether or not he should take his 7 year old niece to see it. At the time I said no, knowing Anderson’s previous work, and having seen the smart trailers. Now though, I’d say yes. It’s definitely a movie that kids will enjoy, because it works even of you don’t get the subtle nuances that it’s laced with. There were families in the theatre today, and the kids definitely enjoyed it; but I’m sure few were enjoying it as much as me. A truly great movie.
If you too become a fan of Wes Anderson and need more, try these links:
I’m growing a mo for Movember!
I’m growing a mo for Movember! I’ll post a daily pic on twitter (@tim_butcher) to give youse all a good laugh 
Day 1 is here: http://bit.ly/13KtwW
I think I’m ready!
I’ve spent the last couple of days consolidating all that I’ll be sending on to Melbourne. I now have a pile of clothes in the bedroom, a stack of books, CDs & DVDs in the dining room, a bunch of bikes in the coal store, and all the other bits and pieces in the pantry. I had hoped that I be able to minimise everything to what could be carried on the back of a ute, but it hasn’t worked out that way; because ladies and gentlemen, I’m bringing so many toys; no furniture, just toys. On reflection, this is because I am once again that 12 year old boy, soon to be able to only do the things that I want to do (i.e. mess around a lot).*
The movers arrive on Thursday and I should get to Melbourne just ahead of my stuff. With just 60 days until I’m on the plane it’s all becoming oh so real. My only anxiety is about this wretched house I have to sell/rent here. Otherwise, I’m really excited about the move and the chance to start all over again. And most of all I’m looking forward to meeting up with some great mates I met earlier this year …and a few I’m yet to meet. See youse all soon.
* NB a common theme of this blog.
Sustainability and the final frontier of competitive advantage
Logistics and supply chain management are today viewed as the final frontier of competitive advantage. It is in the flow of goods through contemporary supply chains that businesses are focusing there efforts, to get products to market faster, cheaper, and better. Why? It is because we consumers are evermore demanding; fickle if you will. We want the latest fashions and the newest technologies, we want them to exceed our expections, at an affordable price, and we want them now! Our behaviour as consumers drives today’s supply chains into intense competition between each other to offer sophisticated goods to expanding global markets. Thus, supply chains have become global networks, taking advantage of low cost labour and resources and distributing their goods to customers around the globe; ‘factories in the east and markets in the west’. Contemporary global supply chains are driving business today; but at what cost?
Now you probably think I’m going to go on to discuss the cost to the environment in terms of the distances travels and the consumption of fossil fuels to achieve that; but I’m not. This is an obvious factor that cannot be ignored. The rapid depletion of natural r
esources is being accelerated by the various modes of transport that are required to deliver us the products we need, yet this is not the only issue in the sustainability of contemporary supply chain practice. In the hierarchy from Hart (2007), a number of sustainability factors are identified. I won’t run through them, but will say that when we are questioning modern supply chain practices, we must inquire about their impacts on each of the factors illustrated. In my research I am most concerned with the impact of contemporary management practices on human and social capital. In our globalised economy, the fat cats continue to get fatter, whilst the poor are left to scrabble around for the scraps. Global supply chain dynamics are changing societies. At the demand side of supply chains we find ourselves being swept up on the wave of consumerism, trampling on tradition values in our efforts to keep up with the Jones. Whilst at the supply side, people are working in low paid jobs with poor working conditions for very little pay. This is not sustainable.
Clearly, the current rate of growth of logistics and supply chain practices is a major issue, but the business world and consumers take very little notice. To reverse this trend will require supply chain strategies and practices to have a radical rethink. However, until we consumers change our behaviour, they will do nothing. We can be the catalyst for change. Then, and only then will big business follow to meet our new demands for a better world.
This is a blogpost to support the 2009 Blog Action Day.
I’ve done it again haven’t I? Or rather I haven’t…
I know, I know. I should be writing more.
I’ll not make excuses, but I’ve 85 days ’til I move down under. I’m currently sorting through all the stuff I’ve collected over the years, and making sure I only bring stuff I’ll really use. So the move is taking quite a bit of my mental energy. Work’s also ramping up, what with the new academic year now beginning. But no excuses, right.
I will blog on Thursday tho. For sure. It’ll be Blog Action Day and we’ll all be blogging about climate change. Now, I don’t know much, but it is something I’m very concerned about. I may or may not have mentioned that I’m changing academic disciplines, from logistics and supply chain management to employment relations. One of the key reasons why, is because the idea of my research greasing the wheels of capitalism, and driving globalisation has never really sat well with me. So I sort of took the easy option and turned my back on it. In my blog on Thursday, I’ll aim to share my concerns with you, based on what I’ve learned from researching and lecturing in those topics for the past six years.
